Community Employment Specialist

Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce; Champaign (IL); On-site; USD 23,310 - 33,199; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Optional vision, dental, and accident insurance

Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

401(k) with company match

Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability

Company car for required travel

Company laptop

Cell phone stipend

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking a motivated Community Employment Specialist to empower individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. This role includes providing individualized support, developing employer partnerships, and transforming futures through meaningful job opportunities. The ideal candidate should have a background in Human Services, strong communication skills, and be proficient in Microsoft tools. This full-time position involves travel in the Chicagoland area and offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Proven ability to build and maintain community partnerships.
• Professional demeanor with a positive, solution-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized employment services and on-site job support.
• Assist with resume development, job applications, interview coordination.
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers and community partners.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Experience with individuals with disabilities

Ability to build community partnerships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field OR five years of relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Are you a motivated self-starter who enjoys building meaningful community connections? Join CTF Illinois as a Community Employment Specialist and help empower individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain competitive, integrated employment.

In this dynamic, community-based role, you will provide individualized support, cultivate employer partnerships, and play a key role in transforming futures through meaningful employment opportunities.

Position Overview

The Community Employment Specialist supports individuals with disabilities in identifying, securing, and maintaining competitive employment. This role combines direct support, job development, community outreach, and documentation responsibilities. Flexibility, professionalism, and strong communication skills are essential.

Schedule: Generally Monday–Friday, with flexibility to work evenings or weekends based on individuals’ needs.

Travel: Required throughout the Chicagoland area and periodically to Champaign, IL.

• Provide individualized employment services and on-site job support
• Assist with resume development, job applications, interview coordination, and vocational assessments
• Deliver on‑job training, modeling appropriate workplace behavior and social interactions
• Develop and maintain relationships with employers and community partners
• Research and recommend employment opportunities, job fairs, and community events
• Promote inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities
• Maintain accurate documentation, progress notes, and required reports
• Work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field OR five (5) years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public presentation abilities
• Proven ability to build and maintain community partnerships
• Professional demeanor with a positive, solution‑focused approach
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting individuals in competitive, integrated employment settings
• Familiarity with Illinois businesses and community resources
• Pay Rate:$20.51 per hour
• Optional vision, dental, and accident insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Company‑paid life insurance and short‑term disability (after 6 months)
• Company car for required travel
• Company laptop
• Cell phone stipend

CTF Illinois is dedicated to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their full potential through the power of Communities That Transform Futures. Our success is measured by the lives we impact through high‑quality, person‑centered programs and services.

Our work is driven by compassionate professionals, committed volunteers, and generous supporters. We provide a wide range of community‑based programs tailored to the unique goals and choices of the individuals and families we serve, offering support at every stage of life.

CTF Illinois is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.